Your Highness, a two comic collection, is the prequel to the film of the same name.
In these pages, Fabious, the elder prince, goes on a quest to slay Your Highness, a two comic collection, is the prequel to the film of the same name.
In these pages, Fabious, the elder prince, goes on a quest to slay a monster who was unleashed by an evil sorcerer. The younger brother, Thadeous, is sent by his father, the king, to secure a treaty with a nearby dwarven kingdom.
Both princes encounter adventures that they were not prepared for.
I wish, in preparation for reading this slim tome, that I had had the chance to rewatch the movie. But I didn't. So, until then, I'll just have to rely on my memory of the film from twelve plus years ago.
In the comic, as in the movie, both princes are caricatures of the angel/devil archetype of consciousness.
Fabious, the elder brother, stands in for our "angelic nature". He is driven to bring justice and safety to those around him while carefully protecting his honor throughout the quest. The flipside to this personality is he suppresses his baser urges, leading to some amusing innuendo with his fellow knights.
(Sexual innuendo and clever word play isn't something I necessarily find funny, but for those who do, Fabious provides this in spades.)
The other brother, Thadeous, represents humanity's shadow or devil mode of consciousness. He delights in excess whether that is food, marijuana, or sex. And though he is tasked by his father with as important a mission as his brother, readers know immediately that he will probably fail- not because he's is incapable of doing what is required, but because he will most likely chose to indulge in his baser instincts to the detriment of his goal.
Overall, I liked the artwork in Your Highness. I thought the panels flowed nicely and the dialogue was well done too.
As for the story itself, I felt it was a tad predictable, but still enjoyable.
I wish, in the Thadeous storyline, the dwarves' weed had had some magical properties that elevated it beyond bringing an excellent high. Maybe using it could cause one to see where minerals were hidden beneath the earth?
Anyway, recommended for fans of the movie and readers who enjoy fantasy comics in general....more
When two promising young magic users are banished to the forest where creatures called "Saints" haunt the shadows, they know they only have each otherWhen two promising young magic users are banished to the forest where creatures called "Saints" haunt the shadows, they know they only have each other in their fight to stay alive. Sadly, for them, the madness that stalks the things in the woods will soon find them. Will their passionate relationship survive what comes next?
Off With Their Heads is a dark, complex fantasy that thrusts readers into a world where magic exists within everyone and displays itself in different ways. That magic can be nurtured and channeled through extreme suffering and pain.
One of the main characters in this story weeps magic from her eyes as she controls and embodies various birds. Another manifests magic from her back teeth and it comes spilling out of her nose and mouth as she portals through shadows.
Taken as a whole, Off With Their Heads has one of the most unique magic systems I've ever encountered in fantasy writing. I think it is fantastic.
Though I am far older than the intended demographic for this story, I feel other readers might find the constant angst between the two main characters to be a little much, as I did. I wanted the story to move on, but we had to (again and again) discuss how much everybody hated each other and dream about the other character's untimely demise. It bogged down the pace of the story quite a lot.
Also, and this is a personal preference, I found myself becoming slightly annoyed each time the author broke the fourth wall to address her "dear readers". I knew I was reading the story, she knew I was reading the story- let's just get on with it!
This book is marketed as an Alice in Wonderland re-telling, but other than some similar names and a few famous catch phrases, it has very little in common with the original tale. Some readers may like this, others might feel cheated because of the comparison. So, proceed with caution.
And one more thing to keep in mind before picking up this tale- it is very dark. I'd only recommend it to older young adults because of some of the themes, and a few instances of sex and graphic violence. (The Red Queen finds herself coated in blood quite often.)
Librarians might be interested to know that this book fits into their LGBTQ+ collections. Queer relationships are featured in the story.
When the Maestros and his entire extended family are killed in an inter-dimensional fight, the only part of the Wizard King's bloodline remains with aWhen the Maestros and his entire extended family are killed in an inter-dimensional fight, the only part of the Wizard King's bloodline remains with a young man named Will who was banished to Earth with his mother, Margaret.
Now as Will takes the throne, his enemies, and his father's enemies, are on the move. Will he be able to retain power or, in these uncertain times, his life? We shall see.
The artwork of this series is amazing. From the colors to the style, each page has eye-catching illustrations. Well done, Steve Skroce!
This graphic novel is rated Mature and it is easy to see why. There's nudity, graphic violence, and some depictions of torture. So, librarians, please categorize it correctly.
Despite its mature, and occasionally disturbing, elements, I enjoyed the story in this comic quite a lot. It is a fantasy-laden coming-of-age tale that asks the question: does absolute power corrupt absolutely?
Highly recommended for mature comic book readers....more
Feyre lives in a world where the fae are beyond a wall that separates them from the mortal world. Years and years ago, according to the myths, a greatFeyre lives in a world where the fae are beyond a wall that separates them from the mortal world. Years and years ago, according to the myths, a great war was fought and a boundary was drawn between the two races.
When Feyre shoots an enormous wolf that is more than what it appears, she is drawn into the world beyond the wall which operates under magic and an entirely different set of rules than the world she knows.
Will she survive?
I chose to read A Court of Thorns and Roses because of the millions of positive ratings it received on Goodreads. It is an engaging read, but I don't think I enjoyed it as much as some other readers.
"... any bit of information might help, and if I showed interest in them, perhaps they would warm to me." pg 79, ebook
I enjoyed the heroine's discovery of the magical world. I really liked the different creatures and situations that she found there. The exploration part of the book was my favorite part.
I did not enjoy the romance portion of the book and felt like it slowed the action down to a crawl in the middle of the story. Also, this should not be rated as a young adult book. Some of the relationship and sexual elements mark it clearly as new adult, in my mind.
I get that this is a "Beauty and the Beast" re-telling, but there are very few similarities between the two stories. If you're looking for a fairy tale re-telling, you might want to keep looking.
And, occasionally, I found the actions of the heroine to be infuriating. She made decisions based on no reasoning that I could understand- much like a spoiled teenager. I suppose some could argue that that is exactly what Feyre is, but it wasn't much fun to read. (view spoiler)[ It made me wonder what Tamlin, one of the High Fae, eventually sees in her. (hide spoiler)]
Recommended for any readers who are looking for a light fantasy mixed with a lot of romance....more
Author S.A. Chakraborty brings her epic Daevabad Trilogy to an end with The Empire of Gold.
In the last book, we saw the fall of Daevabad and a new powAuthor S.A. Chakraborty brings her epic Daevabad Trilogy to an end with The Empire of Gold.
In the last book, we saw the fall of Daevabad and a new powerful leader, Manizheh, taking the throne with Dara, the ancient daeva, at her side.
"Dara was so sick of despairing over his fate, of guilt eating him alive. Now he was just furious. Furious at being used, at letting himself be used again and again." pg 105, ebook
Meanwhile, Nahri and the prince Ali found themselves magically transported to the human realm of Cairo. Nahri knows they have to go back to the magical world to save not just their friends and family, but also the city of Daevabad itself. However, the charms of her old life make her want to stay and live as a healer.
She enjoys the peace while she can.
Ali is racked with guilt about the fall of his city and the loss of magic throughout the djinn's world. He's still struggling to learn how to control his strange new water magic. How can he use it to help save his people?
"How much of his life, all their lives and their histories, unraveled the more it was examined?" pg 392, ebook
I thought the conclusion to this series was magical. Chakraborty gives her huge cast of characters not only beautiful but fitting endings. She ties up every thread she's woven through the story to give the reader a satisfactory experience.
I liked how the endings weren't necessarily happy or perfect. Throughout her books, Chakraborty has painted a complex world where the characters aren't all good or bad, but some mix of each. The conclusion stays with this method of storytelling and manages to feel somewhat real, despite all of the fantasy elements it contains.
"There is a time to fight, and you are all fierce warriors, students I am deeply proud of. But there is also a time to put down your weapons and make peace." pg 701, ebook
Not only are these books morally complex, the cultures she's created feel deep and true. In this book, readers get to enjoy the culture of Ali's mother and learn much more about the prince's special abilities.
I don't want to say much more about it because discovering this storyline is so much fun. It was my favorite part of the book, which had so many wonderful moments to it.
Very highly recommended for fantasy readers....more
Readers return to the magical world of the city of Daevabad in The Kingdom of Copper, the second book in the Daevabad trilogy.
This story begins a few Readers return to the magical world of the city of Daevabad in The Kingdom of Copper, the second book in the Daevabad trilogy.
This story begins a few years after the conclusion of the last book. Nahri has solidified her place in Daevabad with a strategic marriage. Ali has been exiled to a far land because of his actions in the previous book. And Dara, one of my favorite characters, finds himself in service to a djinn whom he believed was long dead.
... goodness has gotten me nowhere in Daevabad. Everyone I try to help ends up worse off." pg 202, ebook
The characters continue to be neither right nor wrong in this entry in the series, but all end up in some gray place in-between. They all take actions that they believe are right and sometimes actions that they believe are necessary. Sometimes the outcome is good, but other times it turns out very, very badly.
I like that about this book. S.A. Chakraborty does a good job of distilling the messiness of life and the clash of four or five different cultures in one city. Even though this is a fantasy tale, I feel like this story could really happen, relationship-wise, out in the real world.
"You were created to burn, to exist between worlds- not to form yourself into armies and pledge your lives to leaders who would toss them away." pg 396
Of all the storylines, I was most interested in Dara's perspective and seeing where the author was going to take this ancient being who had suffered so much heartache in his past. That being said, I didn't enjoy his part of the story.
He's so passionate but he's always being used and abused by the people around him. I'd like to see him having a bigger say over his life and who is around him. I suppose it remains to be seen in the third book if he is finally able to embrace the freedom that he longs for so badly.
I was fortunate that the entire series is published so I'm able to read the books one after another and am able to keep all of the intricacies of the story straight in my head. I can't imagine having years between reading books in this series. It would be too hard to remember.
The build up of the story felt a little slow to me, especially in the middle of the book. But, towards the end, when things began happening, they all went at once. It made for a very exciting ending which I felt was well done for the large cast of characters.
Nahri lives alone in Cairo and makes her daily bread by targeting gullible citizens and stealing. But one night, during a false ritual to free a youngNahri lives alone in Cairo and makes her daily bread by targeting gullible citizens and stealing. But one night, during a false ritual to free a young woman from an evil spirit, Nahri draws the attention of something magical and powerful, and her life is never the same again.
"I have made them both content, but the djinn is a strong one and has likely been with her since birth." pg 20, ebook
Prince Alizayd al Qahtani, the second in line to the throne, lives in Daevabad. He works to better the lives of the humans who live there, along with the different tribes of djinn. This is perilous work as his father, the sultan, does not value human lives the same way.
"A city rose from the smoky map in Daevastana, in the center of a dark lake. Its walls gleamed like brass, beautiful against the dark sky."
The City of Brass is told from Nahri and Ali's points of view. It is a beautiful, multi-layered story that combines elements of Islam and magic.
At first, I had trouble keeping track of all of the different types of djinn. But, after about a quarter of the story, things clicked into place and I really enjoyed the tale.
"We're souled beings like humans, but we were created from fire, not earth." pg 101, ebook
From enslaved djinn to the evil ifrit, this story keeps the reader guessing what is going to happen next. There's a lot of politics in here as well as a magical history that slowly unfolds as the tale progresses.
The characters are neither entirely good nor bad, but instead are a realistic shade of gray. Everyone, it seems, has committed actions they are not proud of, and cling to beliefs that may not necessarily serve them.
It makes for an engaging story as these warring beliefs bump into each other.
Darrow continues the fight against the Society in Light Bringer, the sixth entry in the Red Rising Saga.
The last book focused on the war in the Core eDarrow continues the fight against the Society in Light Bringer, the sixth entry in the Red Rising Saga.
The last book focused on the war in the Core especially around Mercury. This book takes readers out to "the Rim" and examines what is going on in the deeper parts of space.
"Cut off from communication with the outside world, I have no way of knowing the course of the war I began. No way of knowing if Virginia and Victra have managed to weather the united power of the Golds of the Rim and the Core." pg 3, ebook.
As usual, I loved Pierce Brown's characters and pacing. His stories always seem to progress at a good clip and, after thousands of pages, I'm still invested in what is going on.
In this book, unlike the last, I feel like there were more light hearted moments. Dark Age, the previous book in the series, certainly lived up to its name.
"I have seen things a Red miner was never meant to see - unspeakable horrors, impossible beauty." pg 6, ebook
That being said, as this series continues forward, I think Brown has killed off so many beloved characters that it is going to be hard for me to continue to care what happens. I felt the same way about Game of Thrones after a few books.
He's introduced a few new characters whom I love, Lyria being the top of that list. But he couldn't possibly replace some of the names- that I won't list here because spoilers.
"I just think you're a good man and you have a huge heart and I don't think people say that enough." pg 465, ebook
I'm curious what other readers of the series think. Overall, I think this is a masterful work of fantasy and I can't wait for the last book which should be epic. Highly recommended for fantasy readers....more
Shadowy art elevates this superhero graphic novel written by the incomparable Neil Gaiman.
Susan Linden is a crime fighter named the Black Orchid. In tShadowy art elevates this superhero graphic novel written by the incomparable Neil Gaiman.
Susan Linden is a crime fighter named the Black Orchid. In the first pages of the story, she is killed by gangsters. She spends the rest of the book trying to remember who she is and why she has extraordinary abilities- including reincarnation.
The graphic novel brings in numerous heroes from the DC universe including Batman, Poison Ivy, and Lex Luthor. It was fun to read those interactions.
The overall feel of the story is very dark which makes the bright, almost electric purple of the Black Orchid panels stick out so much. Black Orchid and the other flower women are nude and it is handled tastefully throughout.
Before this graphic novel, I had never even heard of Black Orchid. This story makes a great introduction, but it doesn't go fully into her abilities- some are still a mystery.
At first, I thought it didn't fit the character that Black Orchid could fly because I associate plants with earth and being tied into the ground. However, in the supplemental materials at the back of the book, it explained that plants can change their density. Then, that particular superhero ability made more sense to me.
This isn't a story for kids. I'd recommend it for readers 18+ because of the violence and some disturbing dialogue....more
"And then the great bulk of the Gilgamesh is drawing close, at the end of its long deceleration, its ailing thrusters fighting to slow it to the point"And then the great bulk of the Gilgamesh is drawing close, at the end of its long deceleration, its ailing thrusters fighting to slow it to the point where the momentum of a dive past the planet will mesh with the reaching gravity and bring the ark ship into orbit." pg 536, ebook
In Children of Time, humanity has poisoned Earth and needs to find a new home. An ark ship, the Gilgamesh, carries a cargo of sleeping humans as they search for a fresh planet to colonize.
In an earlier era, a scientist was working on elevating other species through an evolutionary vaccine. When her project goes awry, she does her best to salvage the situation, but not even she can predict what is going to happen next with her virus on an alien planet.
This story is told from a few different perspectives. Readers get to enjoy the story of the human colonists, the ancient scientist, and the species that is changed by her virus- the spiders.
The brilliance of this book is the spider portion of the story. I was amazed at how Adrian Tchaikovsky was able to make spiders relatable. (Not a huge fan myself, though not phobic.)
"For now they can only cling to their webs, as the extended senses their technology gives them track the approach of the end." pg 536, ebook
I was cheering for the spiders as they struggled and evolve throughout the tale.
That's not to say the human portions are lacking, they are also fascinating to follow.
How would humanity fare, being many light years away from home and knowing that they have no fixed destination in mind? How long would a space ship hold together with millennia of use? I thought Tchaikovsky's story nailed the problems that would arise in such a situation.
The ending of Children of Time is fantastic and definitely worth the build up to it. I don't want to say too much here beyond that because I don't want to ruin someone else's enjoyment of such a great science fiction tale. Highly recommended....more
Michael Kingman carries a brand on his neck because of his father. Years ago, David Kingman, Michael's dad, was accused of murdering the prince. His fMichael Kingman carries a brand on his neck because of his father. Years ago, David Kingman, Michael's dad, was accused of murdering the prince. His family was thrown out of court and have lived in disgrace ever since.
However, Michael believes in his father's innocence and will do almost anything to prove it. When an opportunity comes his way to right the record, Michael takes it, but will he survive?
"It had been a sh*tty life at times, but it had been mine, and it had always been easier with friends and family at my side. Now someone always seemed to be pulling my strings." pg 259
The world of The Kingdom of Liars is rich with magic users of various kinds, the moon falling from the sky, and warring factions within the city. The author, Nick Martell, explains very little of it. I lost my patience with the new elements after awhile.
I don't mind complex worlds and characters, I just wanted a bit more background. The story races ahead without it.
"I wasn't a noble, or a thief, or a con man, but I wasn't some common citizen either. I was Michael... Michael Kingman." pg 573
I didn't mind the personality of the main character, Michael, though he often flounders in the past and failed plans at times. I think that someone who grew up the way he did would have a huge chip on his shoulder and that definitely comes through in the story.
Overall, I'd recommend the book for readers who like epic fantasy with a slow burn. Readers do receive the answers to most of their questions, though it takes awhile to get there....more
"The raging beast had no doubt that some foolhardy adventurers would soon come calling in the hope of righting this terrible wrong, but it would be re"The raging beast had no doubt that some foolhardy adventurers would soon come calling in the hope of righting this terrible wrong, but it would be ready." pg 6, ebook
The Part About the Dragon was (Mostly) True is a fun and, at times, ridiculous romp through a fantasy world.
A band of adventurers is hired by a village (town!) to rid them of their dragon problem. Heloise the Bard is along for the ride, to tell their story so that they will live on in glory.
The tale she tells, which is written alongside the events as they actually happened, has very little relation to the other story. Sometimes the differences are hysterical.
The songs we sing in taverns are the best bits of a story, but they're not the whole story. pg 26, ebook
This book has been compared to those written by Terry Pratchett, which I would agree with. The bits that are written as asides in the story would be footnotes in the Pratchett books, but they feel very similar.
Another author I would compare Sean Gibson to is Nicholas Eames, who wrote Kings of the Wyld. It is another humorous fantasy tale that feels, in some ways, similar to this book. I would say The Part About the Dragon was (Mostly) True is raunchier, which some readers may love.
"There's a saying amongst adventurers: it's not a quest until you're covered in snizzard pee and have sh*t on your knees." pg 37, ebook
That being said, sometimes I felt like Gibson took the gags a step or two too far. But that could just be me.
Highly recommended for readers who love fantasy and adventure stories.
Also, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this story. I apologize that I only got around to reading it now. It's excellent....more
After an unexpected tragedy, Maia, the youngest son of the emperor, takes his throne. He grew up far from the court and has no idea who anyone is or hAfter an unexpected tragedy, Maia, the youngest son of the emperor, takes his throne. He grew up far from the court and has no idea who anyone is or how he should behave.
While trying to piece together the proper etiquette, he also has to be aware of those who want to depose him for their own various reasons.
Will Maia survive to become the emperor he is destined to be?
"The Elflands have been ruled by the family Drazh for more than two thousand years, although it must be confessed that the continuity of this dynasty is in some ways a politic fiction due to strategic adoptions by the emperors of their chosen heirs." pg 11, ebook
Adding to his woes, Maia's mother was a goblin and he little resembles the court he rules over. This is another hurdle he has to overcome and it threatens his sense of belonging at every turn.
The genius of The Goblin Emperor is in the world Katherine Addison has created. She has crafted a multi-layered system of address and factions for her fictional realm.
That being said, sometimes these intricacies get in the way of the story. I found myself tripping over unfamiliar words and occasionally forgetting who was who in the crowded court of the Goblin Emperor.
I enjoyed Maia's efforts to embrace his heritage and his struggles to rule over his realm. Most of the action of this book takes place in meetings, which were interesting for the greater part of the book.
Recommended for fantasy readers who enjoy mammoth world building and a slow burning plot....more
Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons is fun. I'm not a big fan of the Rick and Morty show, but even I found plenty to love in this graphic novel.
In tRick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons is fun. I'm not a big fan of the Rick and Morty show, but even I found plenty to love in this graphic novel.
In this book, Rick, Morty, and their family explore different dimensions that represent various editions of the fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. If you have some experience playing the game, you'll find lots of inside jokes to enjoy.
I personally have minimal game play time with Dungeons and Dragons, but again, it was still fun.
My favorite story from this collection was the last in the book, which dealt with a character named Mr. Meeseeks. He's from the Rick and Morty show so those who have seen the episodes with him can probably guess what happens.
It still made a great impression on me.
There's some vulgarity and language in this book, which might make it appropriate for teens and up. That's for you all to decide.
"You still have much to learn," he agreed. "But you already carry a power in you that I can't match." pg 31, ebook
Omat is learning to become an angakk"You still have much to learn," he agreed. "But you already carry a power in you that I can't match." pg 31, ebook
Omat is learning to become an angakkuq, a shaman for her tribe. This is a role that is traditionally filled by a male, so Omat considers herself a man for a long time.
"I drifted into dreams and visions for much of those three days, and soon I could not tell reality from imagination. Perhaps, I reasoned, in the end they are one and the same." pg 70, ebook
After repeated tragedies strike her tribe and Omat is captured by a vengeful hunter, her world changes. She goes on a quest to save her brother and best friend as well as herself.
This quest brings her into contact with gods and goddesses as well as the spirits of various artic animals.
"Stories are ever changing, just like the gods. Assuming you understand either is a grave mistake." pg 295, ebook
I very much enjoyed this adventure tale. The main character, Omat, is quite complex in the way she communicates with others and grows throughout the story.
In the afterward, the author talks about the research into Inuit culture she completed to write this book and her work shows. I felt like Omat's shamanistic journeys and methods could have actually happened the way she described- it's that well written.
There is darkness in this story and I nearly stopped reading at first because I was afraid it was going to be too depressing. But I kept on and I'm so very glad I did.
"That which is dead can always come back. Men live in many worlds at once. So do gods." pg 431, ebook
I enjoyed the fantasy elements of the gods and goddesses in this book. It reminded me of The Odyssey in some ways. The supernatural tries to control the world of humans and it results in a grand adventure.
Highly recommended for readers who like their historical fiction mixed with fantasy elements....more
"Death is not to be feared," he said. "But nor can it be forsaken. One must be mindful." pg 3, ebook
Ryn is a grave digger in a small village. The only"Death is not to be feared," he said. "But nor can it be forsaken. One must be mindful." pg 3, ebook
Ryn is a grave digger in a small village. The only trouble is the dead don't always stay dead in her world.
Sometimes they wander out of the forest. When they reawaken, the dead are called "bone houses."
The bone house did not speak. They never did. But still, Ryn felt obligated to say something. "Sorry about this," said Ryn. And then she swung the axe at the dead woman's knees. pg 14, ebook
In addition to her wandering dead problem, Ryn's father went on a work outing and never returned. When a stranger comes to her village with a proposition to explore the lands around her home, Ryn decides to find him.
That is where the story really picks up.
Author Emily Lloyd-Jones explores Welsh myth and legend in this young adult fantasy. I enjoyed the story but the big twists were sign-posted so well that I guessed them before they occurred, something that I never manage to do.
This is probably because I'm not the intended audience for the story, but that's fine. It is well-written other than that small quibble.
I liked the main character, Ryn, quite a lot. She's strong, brave, and unafraid to venture into enchanted forests.
Reluctant readers might enjoy this book because the pace is quite fast. Recommended for readers who like young adult fantasy stories....more
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a charming fantasy story about a fairy researcher and her efforts to study a group of fae in a country far fEmily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a charming fantasy story about a fairy researcher and her efforts to study a group of fae in a country far from her own.
I loved everything about this story. The characters, the plot, the pacing- they were all excellent.
I particularly enjoyed the fairy lore that author Heather Fawcett created for the story. It felt true. If fairies actually existed, I think they would be something like how they are described in this tale.
"I wish to accomplish two objectives- firstly, to identify the species of Folk that dwell here, and second, to describe their interactions with the mortal inhabitants." pg 71, ebook
Not only was the main character wonderfully crafted, but the secondary characters were great too. Wendell, Emily's co-researcher, is compelling and really adds to the story.
I won't say much more about Wendell because discovering what is special about him is part of the charm of the book.
After an unexpected loss, a young man is sent to stay with his grandfather in a different country. In this country, there are very few freedoms. Its cAfter an unexpected loss, a young man is sent to stay with his grandfather in a different country. In this country, there are very few freedoms. Its citizens can't write or create art.
As he adjusts to this new situation, Kasper Salamandre learns about trust- who should have it and who shouldn't. He also appreciates his home more as he discovers the price of not having the freedoms that he has come to take for granted.
This graphic novel delves into deep themes but then didn't adequately handle them. I wanted to know more about Kasper's family, the world he found himself in, and the ticking clock that comes back again and again.
Unfortunately, the reader discovers very little about any of that.
If you must read this graphic novel, you may want to consider borrowing it from your local library....more
In the world of The Book Eaters, there are supernatural people who exist by consuming books, the content of which then stick with them throughout the In the world of The Book Eaters, there are supernatural people who exist by consuming books, the content of which then stick with them throughout the rest of their lives. This small group has other members who, instead of books, eat other people's minds. This second group they call, "dragons".
Devon, a member of the first group, is a young woman who is married off to produce children. Once she completes this task, she is sent back to her home, only to do it all again a few years later.
The marriages and child-bearing are carefully managed by society because the book eaters are a dying race. This is intolerable to Devon, who wants to remain close to her children, but who is instead cruelly separated from them like the other young mothers.
The story begins with Devon and her young son, Cai, on the run from the knights- book eaters who control the dragons and facilitate the book eater manner of life. It develops into a life and death struggle for Devon. How can she save her children when she can't manage to save herself?
"Love doesn't have a cost. It's just a choice you make." pg 205, ebook
I really liked Sunyi Dean's imaginative creation of people who eat books. The descriptions of what she imagined literature tasted like were fascinating and my favorite part of the story. I also liked the idea of carrying around every book one has ever read in your mind like some sort of living library.
The book was well-written, but I didn't care for what Dean did with her characters once she established them. I just didn't connect with it.
As a mother myself, it was difficult to read about children being taken away and/or treated poorly. The story turned out to be a lot darker than I initially thought it would be.
Recommended for readers who enjoy dark fantasy....more
The Paradox of Getting Better is about a young person who is struggling with mental health issues. These struggles are symbolized in the comic by straThe Paradox of Getting Better is about a young person who is struggling with mental health issues. These struggles are symbolized in the comic by strangely shaped bodies and surreal art.
The artwork itself is done in pencil with words crossed out and rough edges with lines coming off of it. There's a definite style to this comic. It didn't resonate with me.
I understand this is an indie comic, but I wanted to see a little more polish to the presentation. As it is, the book felt like an art project in its early stages- more like a book proposal than a finished project.
The writing in this comic is fantastic by the end. However, at the beginning, the main character can't even speak in words. They just keep saying, "XXXX", over and over.
I get this is supposed to represent an inability to communicate in the midst of a mental health crisis, but it didn't quite work. The family members of the individual were able to understand what the sufferer was saying, but the readers weren't. It didn't feel fair. I wanted to understand that person too.
This work is very imaginative. I liked the shapes the author incorporated and I also liked the message in the final panels.
If you're going to read this one, I recommend borrowing it from your local library....more
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